Rita M. O’Keefe
ACTIVITY #1
TOPIC: LAVA FLOW
OBJECTIVE:
To demonstrate why different types of lava flow at different speeds
MATERIALS:
cooking oil, honey, pancake syrup, metal tray
PROCEDURE:
Drop a pool of each liquid along the edge of a metal tray. Slowly raise the edge of the tray to allow the liquids to begin flowing down the slope. The angle of the slope can be measured with a protractor. Experiment with the pan at different angles. Experiment with the liquids at different temperatures. Think of other ways to vary this experiment.
OBSERVATION:
Record which liquid flows fastest, slowest. How does temperature affect the rate of flow? How does the slope of the pan affect the rate of flow? Which liquid is the most viscous? Make a sketch of your observations and label it.
EXPLANATION:
The most viscous liquid is the stickiest one. The stickier the liquid the slower it flows. As liquids heat they flow more easily.
Adapted from experiment in Rocks and Fossils by Ray Oliver
ACTIVITY #2
TOPIC: SEDIMENT IN A JAR
OBJECTIVE:
To demonstrate how sedimentary rock layers are formed.
MATERIALS:
Mud, sand, pebbles (vary color and sizes)
PROCEDURE:
Half fill a glass jar with water. Add the mud, sand and pebbles. Stir the mixture very well and then allow it to settle. The experiment may be done by shaking also. Think of other ways to vary the experiment.
OBSERVATION:
Which materials sink quickest? Which sink slowest? Are layers formed? Where are the largest pieces? Compare to glacial till. Record your results, make a sketch of your observations and label it.
EXPLANATION:
Eventually the materials separate or form layers. The density of the materials determine the position of the layers. The most dense materials sink the lowest. They have the greatest mass for their volume. The largest stones will settle to the bottom.
Adapted from experiment in Rocks and Fossils by Ray Oliver
